LINE-X(R) Spray-On Bedliners in cooperation with DuPont Performance Coatings is announcing the increased availability of its latest innovation in serious protection: LINE-X XTRA(R), the only color composite coating fortified with DuPont(TM) Kevlar(R).

Available at select locations throughout company's network of more than 500 professional application centers in the United States and Canada, LINE-X continues to lead the marketplace with innovative products that customers demand by introducing a color coating specifically engineered for maximum fade resistance and superior gloss retention.

Initially introduced as color option for bedliners, LINE-X XTRA is now making the cross over from the truck bedliner industry into light industrial, fleet and commercial applications with the same enthusiastic consumer feedback. "Applying the most durable bedliner material, combined with DuPont(TM) Kevlar(R) embedded composite urethane coating, that is now available in most OEM colors have made this industry first a very unique win for our clients," said John Q. Wesley, CEO of LINE-X Franchise Development Corporation.

LINE-X has been long respected as an industry leader when it comes to delivering unmatched durability for millions of truck owners. The company's newest product, LINE-X XTRA can be applied in any color, from your vehicle's factory-original paint code to contrasting shades for a personalized look.

In addition, LINE-X XTRA enhances the already high level of long-lasting protection provided by the company's traditional spray-on bedliners, according to DuPont test results.

"Several companies are now offering color bedliners, but LINE-X is the only one to join forces with DuPont and incorporate their legendary Kevlar(R) material," said Nelma FitzGerald, Vice President of Marketing for LINE-X. "This makes LINE-X XTRA the truly superior choice."

"XTRA is a truly unique product that is the result of LINE-X's innovation and DuPont's unparalleled quality. Engineered for maximum adhesion to the base material, the unique cross linking that occurs with our activator allows XTRA to experience a fusion to the warm base that ensures cohesion unlike any other coating in the bedliner industry. Providing an extensive color palette to LINE-X clients make this offering attractive over all other competitors. This LINE-X exclusive product will soon be offered in the international market," said Marcy Fernandez, DuPont National Account Manager.

Like all LINE-X bedliner applications, LINE-X XTRA:

-- Permanently bonds to the truck bed or other surface at the molecular level, providing a weathertight seal to protect against extreme heat, cold, moisture, abrasion and rust.
-- Has increased tensile strength rating, making it resistant to scratches, gouges and punctures.
-- Maintains LINE-X textured surface for that "factory installed" look, while reducing cargo slippage or shifting.
-- Is impervious to most chemicals including chlorine, bleach, gasoline or diesel fuel, and most household solvents.
-- Instantly molds to the precise contours of the pickup bed for no lost cargo space.
-- Enhances the resale value of any vehicle or product.



Every LINE-X bedliner application, which now number more than 2 million, is backed by a Nationwide Lifetime Limited Warranty against cracking, bubbling and flaking. LINE-X was first in the industry to offer such comprehensive customer protection.

Beyond the Bedliner

Like its standard coating, LINE-X expects XTRA to quickly become the preferred choice of protection for a wide variety of applications, especially among brands and products that have specific or 'signature' color themes.

"LINE-X is already used to protect and enhance numerous vehicle accessories, from grille guards and light bars to fender flares and extended tailgates," said Wesley. "Now, XTRA's unlimited color choice means customers will have the best of both worlds - serious protection and that factory or custom appearance."

Such applications include but are not limited to:

-- Agricultural equipment: tractors, utility vehicles and ATVs.
-- RVs and motor homes.
-- Trailers: boats, horses, personal watercraft and work equipment.
-- Marine applications: boat hulls, decks, ramps and cargo holds.
-- Sound system applications: speaker boxes, studio gear and sound stage equipment.
-- Farming: feed containers, storage tanks and silos.
-- Construction: non-skid flooring, decks, foundations, retaining walls and roofs.
-- Outdoor: Playground and park structures, ponds, dog runs and kennels.


About LINE-X

LINE-X is an industry leader in truck bed protection, offering specifically formulated polymers that permanently bond to the truck's bed and a wide range of other surfaces for unmatched durability. LINE-X products are also used in commercial, industrial, agricultural, military, marine and custom applications. LINE-X has more than 550 retail locations worldwide.

About DuPont

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

For more information and the name of a certified LINE-X XTRA store near you, call 800-831-3232 or visit http://www.linex.com/


Source: LINE-X

Lexus LS Edges Cadillac DTS for Top Overall Vehicle

PRIMEDIA's IntelliChoice.com, the online source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, and AutoPacific, the industry source for owner satisfaction rankings, today announced the results of their second annual Motorist Choice Awards for model year 2007, with Toyota and GM coming in as the big winners. Toyota scored winners in eight segments, including the overall winner, Lexus LS, while GM followed in second with five segment winners, including the Cadillac DTS and GMC Yukon XL.

The Motorist Choice Awards were designed by AutoPacific and IntelliChoice.com to recognize the vehicles that delivered both the highest customer satisfaction and the lowest cost of ownership. The awards take AutoPacific's owner satisfaction data from new car and truck buyers and combine those data with IntelliChoice.com's rating methodology to create a new kind of award that speaks to both the hearts and wallets of car buyers.

"This year's roster of winners earned their place by challenging vehicles often recognized for their quality and value," said James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice.com. "While Japanese manufacturers garnered a majority of the 25 vehicle segments, the 2007 Cadillac DTS checked in as the top overall large luxury car. GM also showed well by scoring top honors in both the large light-duty and heavy-duty truck segments with the Chevrolet Silverado."

"Those who monitor the industry closely are probably not surprised by the performance of the Cadillac DTS," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. "Across all segments, the DTS came in a close second to the overall winner Lexus LS, and it was the top ranked vehicle overall in AutoPacific's recently announced Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. It's a car that can definitely challenge the other elite brands."

Peterson added that any vehicle scoring 700 or higher in the Motorist Choice Awards can be considered in the top tier of highly desirable cars or trucks. "There were 25 outstanding vehicles scoring 700 or better," said Peterson. "Some vehicles scored high but didn't make the list because they lost out to other high-scoring vehicles in their segment. These include the Lexus GS, Lincoln Town Car, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Acura RL, BMW 5-Series, BMW 7-Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Mercedes-Benz GL450, Chevrolet Suburban, Lexus RX, Toyota 4Runner and Hyundai Azera."

WINNERS

Aspirational Luxury Car Lexus IS
Compact Car -- Mazda Mazda3 Sedan
Compact Crossover SUV -- Chevrolet HHR
Compact Pickup -- Toyota Tacoma
Compact Sport Utility/ORV -- Toyota FJ Cruiser
Economy Car -- Honda Fit
Image Compact Car -- Volkswagen GTI
Large Car -- Toyota Avalon
Large HD Pickup -- Chevrolet Silverado HD
Large LD Pickup -- Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Large Luxury Car -- Cadillac DTS
Large Sport Utility -- GMC Yukon XL
Luxury Crossover SUV -- Acura MDX
Luxury Mid-Size Car -- Nissan Maxima
Luxury Sport Utility -- Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Mid-Size Car -- Volkswagen Jetta
Mid-Size Crossover SUV -- Honda CR-V
Mid-Size Sport Utility -- Toyota 4Runner
Minivan -- Honda Odyssey
Premium Luxury Car -- Lexus LS
Premium Mid-Size Car -- Nissan Altima
Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV -- Nissan Murano
Premium Sports Car -- Lexus SC
Sports Car -- Porsche Boxster
Sporty Car -- Scion tC

About IntelliChoice.com

Part of PRIMEDIA's Enthusiast Media, IntelliChoice is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice web site (http://www.intellichoice.com/), consumers get the help they need to research, compare, configure and price vehicles. The site also connects buyers to the buying alternatives of their choice, including vehicle manufacturers and an online car buying guide.

About AutoPacific

AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing and product- consulting firm. Every year AutoPacific publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on the automotive industry. The firm also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributors, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Company headquarters and its state-of-the-art automotive research facility are in Tustin, California, with an affiliate office in the Detroit area.

Additional information can be found on AutoPacific's websites: http://www.autopacific.com/ and http://blog.vehiclevoice.com/

Source: AutoPacific

Group Demands the Next Step: Fix the Problem

ExxonMobil will put decals on its gasolne pumps in California and Arizona acknowledging that "hot fuel" may not deliver the full value of a gallon of gasoline, according to a report in the industry publication Oil Express. Exxon took the step to protect itself from class-action lawsuits that accuse marketers of defrauding drivers with "hot fuel," said the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights.

FTCR said Exxon, the world's largest oil company, should have announced plans to fix the problem, which would have gained its brand market share and consumer confidence. Instead, said FTCR, the company is just fending off lawsuits and making drivers angrier.

"A cheap decal is like a tobacco pack warning," said Judy Dugan, research director of OilWatchdog.org and FTCR. "It may be Teflon against lawsuits, but it offers no protection to consumers. The cost of each decal may be less than the 50 cents a fill-up that consumers are paying for ghost gas," the lost energy of fuel sold at high temperatures."

The Oil Express report says the wording of the decal will be:

"This device dispenses motor fuel by volume measured in gallons. It does not adjust the volume for variations in the temperature of the fuel. The temperature of motor fuel affects the energy content of each gallon dispensed."

"The loss is perhaps 50 cents per hot tankful for individual motorists, and the collective loss to motorists in California alone is estimated at about $450 million a year in California," said Dugan. "Exxon can't evade its responsibility to sell gasoline fairly and honesty with a decal essentially saying 'Yeah, we rip you off and what are you going to do about it.'"

Exxon's action follows a similar decal warning ordered by refiner Tesoro at its California stations, including the small USA Petroleum chain and more than 250 Shell stations recently acquired by Tesoro. At the time, other companies denied that they would follow suit, said FTCR.

U.S. manufacturer Gilbarco already makes a gasoline pump nozzle that measures the temperature of gasoline as it leaves the pump, and it is widely used in Canada (where sellers benefit from lower gasoline temperatures). The head of the California Weights and Measures board has stated that the pump may be sold and used in California, but Gilbarco has declined to offer it for sale.

Gasoline is adjusted for temperature variations from the national standard of 60 degrees when it is sold by the refinery to distributors, and when it is sold again to retailers. At each stage, the buyer receives extra gasoline to make up for expansion and energy loss if the fuel is over 60 degrees. However, the fuel is sold without any temperature adjustment to motorists, causing an annual loss of $2.3 billion to drivers nationally. In California, the statewide average year-round temperature of gasoline is over 74 degrees, according to a federal study.

"Sales must be honest to be fair. Yet the industry from the refinery level on down cheats both motorists and taxpayers by pretending that fuel is 60 degrees in order to fatten their own profits," said Dugan.

The Oil Express article said Exxon would require the decal at its company-owned and franchised stations, and would "encourage" others that sell the Exxon brand to display the decal.

The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR) is California's leading nonpartisan consumer advocacy organization.

For more information, visit us on the web at: www.ConsumerWatchdog.org

Source: Foundation for Taxpayer & Consumer Rights

A recent analysis of data collected by law enforcement agencies across the State of Illinois as part of an effort to combat racial profiling demonstrates that police officers continue to request permission to search the automobiles of drivers of color far more often than white drivers. The report, prepared by the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety consistent with the Illinois Traffic Stop Statistics Act, concludes that three years after the General Assembly first mandated that law enforcement agencies collect and report data on the race of drivers stopped and searched by police, "consent searches remain problematic."

According to the report, of all traffic stops in Illinois during calendar year 2006, police officers asked a mere 0.68% of white drivers for "consent" to search their car once the stop was commenced, compared to 2.04% of all minority drivers. The report demonstrated that an African American driver was more than three times more likely to be the target of a request for a search than a majority driver. The numbers reported by the Illinois State Police highlight the problem: while only 0.5% of white drivers are the subject of consent searches, African Americans are searched by consent nearly twice as often and Hispanics are the subject of those searches four times as frequently.

Responding to the report, the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois today called on Governor Rod Blagojevich and the members of the Illinois General Assembly to either prohibit consent searches altogether, or require that police have reasonable suspicion as a precondition to request a search.

"Three years of data now have been reported in Illinois' efforts to stop the insidious practice of racial profiling," said Harvey M. Grossman, Legal Director of the ACLU of Illinois. "We now know -- beyond any doubt -- that minority drivers are targeted for humiliating, degrading roadside searches even though there is no evidence that they have broken any laws."

"Governor Blagojevich and leaders in the General Assembly now must act to move Illinois in line with the best practice in law enforcement today by either banning consent searches outright or requiring police to have reasonable suspicion as a precondition to a request for a consent search," added Grossman.

A consent search occurs when law enforcement officials lack probable cause or even reasonable suspicion that criminal activity is occurring, yet nonetheless asks a civilian for permission to search their vehicle or person. The vast majority of civilians consent to such a request. Data from the Illinois State Police indicates that the up to 95% of all persons consent to such searches. Consent searches long have been identified as an element in the practice of racial profiling.

"State police forces in California and New Jersey have ended the practice of conducting consent searches," said Grossman. "The Illinois General Assembly should examine this data and move quickly to bar the practice in our state."

The 2006 Annual Report of the Illinois Traffic Stops Statistics Study was issued by the Illinois Department of Transportation. Adopted by the General Assembly in 2003, the legislation requires all law enforcement agencies in Illinois to collect data on all traffic stops during the calendar year.

The full report is available at http://www.dot.il.gov/

Source: American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois

Giving Rubberneckers Less to See Could Improve Safety

When a major traffic accident occurs on the Capital Beltway, vehicles in one direction come to a standstill while motorists in the opposite direction slow down for a good look. Area traffic officials face the daily struggle to clear away such incidents while notifying other road and emergency agencies so they can help warn motorists about of the incident.

Researchers in the civil engineering department at the A. James Clark School of Engineering have developed a new automated incident information sharing system for traffic control experts and emergency workers.

"The sooner emergency management officials arrive on-scene, notify the public, and return the road to normal operation, the fewer injuries, economic waste, pollution and headaches can be expected," said Michael Pack, laboratory director of the Clark School's Center for Advanced Transportation Technology Laboratory (CATT Lab) at the University of Maryland. "Accurate, timely information about traffic incidents helps transportation agencies to manage traffic and notify motorists sooner, so they can pick alternate routes."

This month, the four largest agencies in charge of traffic management and transportation in the Washington, D.C.-metro area for the first time will be able to electronically collaborate with each other real-time while resolving accidents and other travel-related emergencies on the area's roadways.

CATT engineers have completed the first phase of development of the Regional Integrated Transportation Information System (RITIS), which will allow local agencies to easily share information about accidents, traffic, and other roadway incidents. It is an initiative of the Metropolitan Area Transportation Operations Coordination program and is funded by $1.9 million in federal money.

The interactive system features maps, lists and other innovative graphics that convey real-time incident information, including who is on the scene, who has been notified and is en route, weather conditions, video feeds, traffic sensor data, etc. This valuable information is integrated into the agencies' native incident management software systems and also presented on the web. Before RITIS existed, transportation and emergency management officials had to rely on phone calls and other human initiated systems to keep each other updated.

The Problem

The Washington Metropolitan Area is unique in that there are four major transportation agencies and countless emergency management groups (each with separate communication and data systems) that could respond to traffic incidents in and around the relatively small geographic region of the Capital Beltway.

Until now, there has been only very limited automated data sharing before, Pack said.

"Current procedures require that individuals remember to pick up the phone and call one another for notification purposes," Pack explained. "The burdens of dealing with multiple complex incidents, often involving serious personal injury, can make it difficult for even the most seasoned incident manager to notify and communicate with the many agencies critical to resolve a situation."

Statistics show that secondary crashes caused by rubberneckers craning to view other accidents account for 20 percent of all traffic incidents (not to mention further slowing traffic). The chance of a secondary crash occurring increases almost 3 percent for every minute the first accident remains a hazard, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

"The sooner an agency is notified about an incident, the sooner the incident can be managed and resolved, which helps decrease the likelihood of additional incidents and delays," Pack said. "Quick notification also helps to alert the public who can then make better informed travel decisions."

The Solution

The RITIS system will automatically notify emergency management personnel of regional incident details, help to coordinate construction schedules, and supplement communications to help officials determine the most efficient way to deal with transportation crises as they arise.

Initial participants include the transportation departments of Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C., along with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Administration, and the Capital Wireless Information Net (CapWIN) system. Other local traffic management, transit, and emergency management agencies will be added to RITIS as time progresses.

"Timely notification of transportation incidents is particularly critical," Pack said. "The potential economic and social benefits of the RITIS system are enormous."

The system will be the foundation for an anticipated regional 511 phone system that will provide roadway status information to the traveling public.

More Information:
Center for Advanced Transportation Technology: http://www.catt.umd.edu/
CATT Laboratory: http://www.cattlab.umd.edu/
CapWIN: http://www.capwin.org/

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: http://www.civil.umd.edu/



Source: A. James Clark School of Engineering

Never Bean Done: Select Kum & Go Stations Celebrate 'Biodiesel Appreciation Day' on Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Even Willie Nelson hasn't come up with a biodiesel promotion this big -- 17 Kum & Go stations in more than a dozen Iowa communities will trim their price of B2 biodiesel by ten cents a gallon on Wednesday, July 18, from 8 a.m. until noon. Likely the single largest promotion for biodiesel fuel in the upper Midwest, the "Biodiesel Appreciation Day" event was hailed by environmentalists and politicians as another small step away from the nation's addiction to petroleum.

"While ethanol makes a lot of headlines, especially here in Iowa, biodiesel has become the sleeping giant of biofuels," said Jessica Zopf, environmental health coordinator for the American Lung Association of Iowa. "Iowa produces 225 million gallons of cleaner-burning biodiesel a year, which can significantly reduce harmful tailpipe emissions when used in higher concentrations. Buying a two percent blend biodiesel may be a small step, but it is a vital beginning on a path toward cleaner air, greener fuels and less dependence on petroleum."

The event kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at the Kum & Go station at 3400 SE 14th Street in Des Moines, where Mayor Frank Cownie will honor the Des Moines-based Kum & Go company for their leadership in offering Clean Air Choice(TM) fuels like biodiesel and E85. The event is being sponsored by Kum & Go, the Iowa Soybean Association and the Iowa Clean Air Choice Team.

Select Kum & Go participating in Biodiesel Appreciation Day include:

* 2801 E. 13th, Ames
* 1950 Princeton Drive, Grimes
* 4510 Mortensen Road, Ames
* 715 Lang Creek Avenue, Grinnell
* 2108 Isaac Newton Drive, Ames
* 1116 E. Nevada St., Marshalltown
* 1920 White Birch, Ankeny
* 1453 Co. Highway G76, New Virginia
* 1825 N. Ankeny Road, Ankeny
* 5970 Morning Star Court, Pleasant Hill
* 101 E. Highway 92, Bevington
* 209 E. Main St., St. Charles
* 1725 NW 86th Street, Clive
* 4585 156th St., Urbandale
* 3400 SE 14th Street, Des Moines
* 5308 University, West Des Moines
* 801 N. 1st, Grimes

Source: American Lung Association of Iowa

- Auto Insurance First: Technology Lets Americans who Drive Less, Pay Less
- Leverages in-vehicle OnStar by GM technology to save up to 54% on premiums

Today, GMAC Insurance and OnStar announced the rollout of the Low-Mileage Discount program where Americans who drive less, pay less on their auto insurance. The opt-in program is the first of its kind leveraging state-of-the-art technology using OnStar to allow customers who drive fewer miles to benefit from substantial savings. Eligible active OnStar subscribers simply sign up to save on their premiums (up to 54%) if they drive less than 15,000 miles annually. Since the pilot program began, 10,000 participants have enrolled in the Low-Mileage Discount program.

Under the program, new customers receive an automatic 11% discount, as well as the GMAC Insurance OnStar Subscriber Discount, upon enrollment (existing customers receive a discount based on historical mileage). With the subscriber’s permission, the odometer reading from his or her monthly OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics email is forwarded to GMAC Insurance. Based on those readings, the company will decrease their premiums using discount tiers corresponding to miles driven. There is no additional reporting, downloading or monitoring required, and no additional data is gathered or used for any purpose other than to help manage transportation costs. Customers who drive more than 15,000 miles per year are not penalized. In fact, all OnStar customers receive a discount for simply having an active OnStar subscription.

“Customers who drive less should pay less, and this program allows customers to use technology already in their vehicles to give them the discounts they deserve,” said Gary Kusumi, president and CEO, GMAC Insurance. “Giving consumers the power of cost control is a welcome advance, especially as people manage their transportation costs more closely in the midst of fluctuating gas prices. The program also encourages people to limit unnecessary driving, helping the environment in the process.”

Robert Panczak of Schaumburg, IL, experienced the benefits of the GMAC Insurance Low-Mileage Discount program first-hand as a participant in the program pilot. Panczak is savvy about the insurance industry and wanted to find a company that offered the best value for his needs. He had three cars in all, but one, a Saturn VUE equipped with OnStar, was driven very rarely and only for short trips. Since beginning the pilot program in March 2006, Panczak has saved $500 per year with the Low-Mileage Discount alone.

“Before switching to GMAC Insurance, my premiums were eating me alive,” Panczak said, “and since I didn’t use one car as often as the others, why should I pay the same amount in insurance? Now, I don’t have to.”

“We are bringing more value to the 2.8 million subscribers who receive monthly OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics emails,” said Chet Huber, OnStar president. “Not only are we providing them with information about the health of key operating systems in their vehicles, we are helping them to save on their transportation costs as well.”

OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics is an industry-first service available only from GM, which collects valuable maintenance information on four of the vehicle’s key operating systems from hundreds of diagnostic checks and sends a personalized e-mail directly to the owner once a month.

The GMAC Insurance Low-Mileage Discount program is easy to initiate, with no effort from the customer beyond initial enrollment. There are no additional devices installed in the vehicle, and the only data that GMAC Insurance collects are miles driven on a monthly basis. Other low-mileage discount programs have met with customer resistance due to privacy concerns over the level of data collected.

Drivers can also opt to take advantage of enhanced accident support services. If a GMAC Insurance customer is involved in an collision, they can request the OnStar advisor to transfer them to a representative to initiate the claim and arrange for towing and rental car services, after responding to any emergency assistance needed.

Customers must enroll in OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics to be eligible for the GMAC Insurance Low Mileage Discount. Eligible OnStar subscribers can enroll in the opt-in service at no additional cost by simply pressing their blue OnStar button and asking to be enrolled, or by visiting the OnStar Web site ( www.onstar.com ). OnStar Vehicle Diagnostics service can be activated on most 2004 model-year or newer OnStar-equipped GM vehicles that have GM’s Oil-Life System. The only information shared with GMAC Insurance for the Low-Mileage Discount is miles driven on a monthly basis.

OnStar will be standard on most GM retail cars, trucks and SUVs in the United States and Canada by the end of 2007. Currently, the GMAC Insurance Low-Mileage Discount is available in the following 34 states:

* Alabama
* Arizona
* Colorado
* Florida
* Idaho
* Illinois
* Indiana
* Kentucky
* Louisiana
* Maryland
* Michigan
* Minnesota
* Mississippi
* Missouri
* Montana
* Nebraska
* Nevada
* New Hampshire
* New Mexico
* New York
* Ohio
* Oklahoma
* Oregon
* Pennsylvania
* Rhode Island
* South Carolina
* South Dakota
* Tennessee
* Texas
* Utah
* Virginia
* Washington
* West Virginia
* Wisconsin

GMAC Insurance plans to extend availability to additional states in the next year.

Doing the Math: Specific Savings

Following is a breakdown of the discounts offered in the GMAC Insurance Low-Mileage Discount program, including the OnStar Subscriber Discount:

Annual Mileage Average Total Savings*

0-2,500 - 54%
2,501-5,000 - 39%
5,001-7,500 - 34%
7,501-10,000 - 26%
10,001-12,500 - 18%
12,501-15,000 - 13%

* Average total savings include the Low-Mileage Discount and the OnStar Anti-Theft Discount combined. The LMD is full-policy savings at the vehicle level. The OnStar Subscriber Discount provides savings off of the Bodily Injury, Comprehensive and Property Damage coverages of the vehicle policy. Drivers who average fewer than 5,000 miles per year may receive even more than 35% in savings.

In addition to the Low-Mileage Discount program, GMAC Insurance offers even more discounts on auto insurance premiums for current GMAC Auto Finance and GMAC Mortgage customers; GM Cardmembers; GM/GMAC employees and retirees; active OnStar subscribers; customers with multiple GM vehicles; and customers who qualify as safe drivers. For more information on the GMAC Insurance Low-Mileage Discount Program and additional discounts for GM and GMAC Insurance products, and to find a local independent agent, call 1-800-GMAC-123, or visit www.gmacinsurance.com to receive a quote.

The GMAC Insurance Group is one of the largest automobile insurers in the United States and is a wholly owned subsidiary of GMAC Financial Services. GMAC Insurance Personal Lines offers a variety of property and casualty products, including personal auto, RV, motorcycle, boat and commercial auto insurance. With a nationwide network of claims professionals, local independent agents and a 24-hour, toll-free claims hotline available 365 days a year, GMAC Insurance provides superior claims service for its customers.

IRWIN Industrial Tools(R) Adds Sparks in Daytona

Race fans were cheering and watching sparks fly this past weekend at the Pepsi 400 -- only they weren't in their seats, but outside the Daytona International Speedway. IRWIN Industrial Tools entertained fans by showcasing the strength and speed of their new IRWIN Marathon with Weldtec(TM) saw blade and hosting Larry Carter, Jamie McMurray's crew chief of #26 of the IRWIN Industrial Tools Roush Fenway Racing team. Carter greeted fans and assisted IRWIN in presenting the Central Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America a 10 x 12 storage shed to be used at Camp La-No-Che in Paisley, FL.

Robert Cox, a professional tradesman, built the structure to demonstrate the durability and speed of the new welded tooth saw blade, proving the IRWIN Marathon with WeldTec blade can Frame More Houses Faster(TM). Neil Eibeler, IRWIN Accessories President, Cox and Carter were pleased to present the shed to Ron A. Oats, Scout Executive for the Central Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America. The structure will be used to store equipment for the Camp's C.O.P.E (Challenging Outdoor Physical Experience) course.

Fans also viewed the saw blade go head-to-head against the competition during the "Accelerated Life Test." Both blades were put to the test by cutting through a "nasty sandwich" composed of 2 x 4 lumber, asphalt roofing shingle, 16 gauge metal plate and laminate flooring. The WeldTec blade with welded carbide teeth remained intact, while the competition was destroyed.

Jamie McMurray drives the IRWIN Marathon with WeldTec Ford Fusion displaying a special flames paint scheme on the #26 car. McMurray's performance signifies his second career NEXTEL Cup win and moves him up to the 13th position in the race for the chase. With only 8 races left before the chase for the cup, be sure to catch another exciting performance from the #26 this Sunday at Chicagoland Speedway at 4:15pm.

IRWIN Industrial Tools, a Newell Rubbermaid(R) company, manufactures and distributes professional grade hand tools and power tool accessories worldwide for trade professionals who demand superior performance and durability on the job. IRWIN Industrial Tools' brand portfolio features user-preferred category leaders such as IRWIN(R), VISE-GRIP(R) locking tools, MARATHON(R) circular saw blades, QUICK-GRIP(R) clamping tools, SPEEDBOR(R) flat bits, STRAIT-LINE(R) marking tools, Unibit(R) step drill bits and HANSON(R) taps and dies.

For more information about IRWIN's line of hand tools and power tool accessories, call 1-800-GO IRWIN or visit http://www.irwin.com/

Source: IRWIN Industrial Tools

J.D. Power and Associates and auto motor und sport/AUTOStrassenverkehr Report: Toyota's "Green" Prius Leads Customer Satisfaction Rankings

For the first time, Honda ranks highest among automotive brands in satisfying new-car owners in the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Germany Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) StudySM released today in cooperation with auto motor und sport/AUTOStrassenverkehr.

The study, now in its sixth year, is based on evaluations of more than 20,000 vehicle owners in Germany after an average of two years of ownership. The study includes 27 brands and 112 models. Owners provide detailed evaluations of their vehicles and dealers, which cover 77 attributes grouped in four measurements of satisfaction. In order of importance, they are: quality and reliability (30%); vehicle appeal (25%), which includes performance, design, comfort and features; service satisfaction (23%); and ownership costs (22%), which includes fuel consumption, costs of service/repair and insurance.

In the nameplate rankings, Honda ranks highest for the first time, receiving a customer satisfaction score of 848 index points on a 1,000-point scale. Honda receives particularly high ratings in all four key measures. Following Honda in the rankings is Toyota with 847 points. Toyota performs particularly well in two measures: quality/reliability and ownership costs, while Subaru performs very well in service satisfaction. Subaru, BMW, Mazda, Volvo, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Škoda also perform above the industry average in overall customer satisfaction.

“Since the launch of the Germany CSI Study in 2002, Honda has steadily improved its performance, including a notable increase of 10 index points between the 2006 and 2007 studies,” said Martin Volk, senior research manager at J.D. Power and Associates in Europe. “However, even at the highest level, there is still room for improvement in delivering an exceptional customer experience.”

Highlighting the growing focus on environmentally friendly cars, the Toyota Prius ranks highest among all models in the study with an index score of 892. The Prius performs particularly well in the ownership costs and quality/reliability measures.

“For the first time, a hybrid car has come out on top of the model rankings,” said Volk. “It is particularly notable that the Toyota Prius also receives high ratings from its customers for day-to-day operating costs and build quality.”

Toyota captures three top model awards, while Honda earns two model awards and BMW captures one.

The awardees in each of the study’s six vehicle segments are:

* Toyota Yaris Verso (small car)
* Toyota Prius (lower medium)
* Honda Accord (upper medium)
* BMW 5 Series (executive/luxury)
* Toyota Corolla Verso (MPV), which earns an award for a second consecutive year
* Honda CR-V (SUV)

Volkswagen is the most improved nameplate in 2007, increasing 25 points from 2006. German premium brands BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi also show a strong performance, each improving by at least 10 index points.

“We notice a strong positive trend for the German brands BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen this year,” said David Lauth, managing director of J.D. Power and Associates in Munich, Germany. “All three brands have effectively addressed customer product quality concerns from previous years, and indeed, product quality is driving higher customer satisfaction, together with an improving dealer service network.”

J.D. Power and Associates conducts CSI studies around the world, including Europe (France, Germany, United Kingdom); North America (Canada, Mexico, United States); Asia Pacific (China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand); and Africa (South Africa).

More comprehensive study results are published in the July 11, 2007 issue of AUTOStrassenverkehr. A summary overview on premium brands can be found in the July 4, 2007 edition of auto motor und sport.

About J.D. Power and Associates
With European offices in Guildford, UK, for research operations, and Munich, Germany, for client support and consulting solutions, and world headquarters in Westlake Village, California, U.S.A., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The firm’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor’s, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2006 were $6.3 billion.

Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates.

www.jdpower.com/corporate

# # #

Source: J.D. Power and Associates

J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Redesigned Web Sites Can Bounce Back from Initial Stumbles in Visitor Satisfaction

HUMMER.com earns the highest ranking among automotive manufacturer Web sites for usefulness in new- vehicle shopping, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Manufacturer Web Site Evaluation Study(SM) (MWES) -- Wave 2 released today.

The semi-annual study measures the usefulness of manufacturer Web sites during the new-vehicle shopping process. New-vehicle shoppers evaluate Web sites in four key areas: appearance, speed, navigation, and information/content.

HUMMER ranks highest with an index score of 870 on a 1,000-point scale -- a 5-point improvement from Wave 1 of the study, which was released in January 2007.

"A continuing focus on clear, simple navigation and crisp images and videos that demonstrate both the appearance of HUMMER's models, as well as the features included in them, allow HUMMER to regain the highest ranking for usefulness among automotive manufacturer Web sites," said Steve Witten, executive director of marketing/media research at J.D. Power and Associates. "This is the third time that HUMMER has achieved the difficult feat of outpacing the industry since the brand was first included in the study five years ago."

Following HUMMER in the rankings are Toyota, Jeep, Suzuki, Land Rover, Lexus and Kia, respectively. A broad range of manufacturers score above the industry average, including premium, non-premium, entry, niche and full line-up brands.

"The wide variety of manufacturers scoring significantly above the industry average demonstrates that these companies truly understand the needs and the limitations of their specific shoppers and have designed sites that showcase their models within those parameters," said Witten. "As manufacturers feel more empowered to take risks, there will be a further explosion in creativity on these Web sites. New and unique forms of interactive media, tools, and page design will emerge. But manufacturers must always balance that creativity with site usefulness and usability to help site visitors find the information they need easily at the same time that they are 'wowed' with the experience."

In the previous MWES wave, eight of nine Web sites that had undergone major redesigns declined in overall index scores. In the current study, all nine of these previously redesigned sites improve in overall index score, with four showing considerable improvement. In particular, Mitsubishi's Web site improves by 38 points after experiencing the largest index score decline of these redesigned sites in the last wave of the study.

"Newly redesigned Web sites often stumble because of the sheer size of the undertaking," said Witten. "In the process of trying to incorporate innovative tools and designs across an entire Web site, seemingly minor usability issues may be overlooked. However, continuous minor modifications to the original 'big' idea can pay off in huge strides. For example, Mitsubishi made small changes in navigation, usage of colors and shifting label positioning that made it much easier for shoppers to get to their desired information quickly."

The 2007 Manufacturer Web Site Evaluation Study -- Wave 2 is based on evaluations gathered between April and May 2007 from 10,865 new-vehicle shoppers who indicated they would be in the market for a new vehicle within the next 24 months.

Manufacturer Web Site Ranking
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)

HUMMER               870
Toyota               858
Jeep                 856
Suzuki               855
Land Rover           854
Lexus                854
Kia                  852
Chrysler             849
BMW                  848
MINI                 847
Honda                845
Mazda                845
Pontiac              845
Mitsubishi           843
Lincoln              842
Saab                 842
Chevrolet            840
GMC                  840
Saturn               840
Dodge                838
Cadillac             837
Ford                 836
Industry Average     836
Volvo                835
Buick                833
Subaru               832
Nissan               831
Infiniti             830
Jaguar               828
Porsche              828
Mercedes-Benz        826
Acura                822
Hyundai              820
Scion                811
Mercury              803
Volkswagen           792
Audi                 773

Old and new automotive favorites from the big screen appear on Cars.com's annual ranking of the Top 10 Movie Cars. While the DeLorean DMC-12 from "Back to the Future" holds steady at the coveted No. 1 slot, three cars debut on this year's list and six others jockey for position.

"When we came up with our list of Top 10 Movie Cars last summer, we had no idea our readers would be so passionate about their favorite car films," said Patrick Olsen, managing editor of Cars.com. "With 'Transformers' arriving on the big screen, we revisited our list -- listening to last year's reader feedback -- and determined once again which cars deserved to make the top 10. Some cars were able to hold on to their spots, while others were shuffled to make room for more-worthy contenders. With 'Speed Racer' hitting the big screen next year, expect another round of evaluation."

No. 10: 2003 Mini Cooper S, "The Italian Job"
2006 rank: 10

Drivetrain: 163-horsepower, supercharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with six-speed manual transmission; front-wheel drive

Notable Features: 200 pounds lighter than stock Cooper S; painted red, white or blue

The Mini Cooper holds the No. 10 spot on the list for the second year in a row likely due to its slender physique, which allows the vehicle to escape captors on congested streets, parks and subway tunnels. Computer-rigged signals aid the getaway, stopping cross traffic at red lights. Larger cars could not have achieved the maneuverability demonstrated by the Mini as it weaves through traffic, drives down stairs and speeds along sidewalks.

No. 9: 1959 Cadillac Ambulance, "Ghostbusters"
2006 rank: 7

Drivetrain: 325-hp, 6.4-liter V-8 with two-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive

Notable Features: Tailfins, flashing lights, sirens, attached ladder

The Ghostbusters wouldn't go far without a sizable vehicle to transport the team and their ghost-capturing gear around New York City. Though it plays a relatively small part in its film, the Ectomobile is the finest medical movie car to date. From its distinctive siren wail to its red tailfins, strobe lights and roof gear, this car is truly unique.

No. 8: 1974 Dodge Monaco, "The Blues Brothers"
2006 rank: 3

Drivetrain: 275-hp, 7.1-liter V-8 with three-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive

Notable Features: Cop motor, cop tires, cop suspension, cop shocks

You usually don't come out ahead when swapping a Caddy for a Dodge -- unless the Dodge has a 440-cubic-inch V-8. The Bluesmobile would be our pick if we had to outrun the better half of Illinois police, not to mention a neo-Nazi outfit and a country-and-western band. The car may fall apart in the end, but it performed well on this "mission from God."

No. 7: 1932 Ford coupe, "American Graffiti"
2006 rank: New for 2007
Drivetrain: 60-hp, 3.6-liter V-8 with three-speed manual transmission

Notable Features: Bright yellow paint job bound to be noticed by bored teens in Modesto, Calif.

Nicknamed the Deuce, this five-window '32 Ford coupe is the quintessential American hot rod. As built, it came with the engine mentioned above, but in the movie it's clear the coupe has been souped up. It was the car's impressive performance in the drag race at the end that lodged this hot rod into the hearts of American teens for a decade.

No. 6: 1976 AMC Pacer, "Wayne's World"
2006 rank: New for 2007

Drivetrain: 100-hp inline-six with three-speed automatic transmission; rear-wheel drive

Notable Features: Flame decal, licorice dispenser, "Bohemian Rhapsody" on continuous playback

Wayne and Garth's baby blue Mirth Mobile may not have inspired fans to purchase one of their own, but its special features made the car stand out from any other AMC Pacer on the road.

No. 5: 1968 Ford Mustang GT 390, "Bullitt"
2006 rank: 6

Drivetrain: 325-hp, 6.4-liter V-8 with four-speed manual transmission; rear-wheel drive

Notable Features: Fastback roof, higher engine note than the Charger

The seven-minute chase scene between Bullitt's green Mustang GT 390 and a hit man's 1968 Dodge Charger is among the best of its kind. Close-up shots of Steve McQueen (Bullitt) as he maneuvers his vehicle through the streets of San Francisco add realism to the scene and intensify the chase.

No. 4: 1964 Aston Martin DB5, "Goldfinger"
2006 rank: 4

Drivetrain: 282-hp, 4.0-liter six-cylinder with four-speed manual transmission; rear-wheel drive

Notable Features: Bulletproof glass, machine guns, incessantly beeping radar screen

Bond cars are known to be top-notch -- the list includes Aston Martins, Bentleys and Lotuses -- but voters agreed that the Aston Martin DB5 driven by Sean Connery in "Goldfinger" belonged at the top of the list. Not only is it appealing to the eye, it outruns and out-gadgets all of its competitors.

No. 3: 1961 Ferrari 250 GT, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"
2006 rank: 2

Drivetrain: 280-hp, 3.0-liter V-12 with four-speed manual transmission; rear-wheel drive

Notable Features: Cherry-red exterior, wire grille, Cameron-sized tonneau compartment

This red Ferrari convertible is probably responsible for thousands of teens cutting class to joyride in their father's car. The kit car stands out with its sleek exterior and low mileage. Though borrowing this car was a source of controversy between Ferris and Cameron, they both enjoyed driving in style through the streets of Chicago.

No. 2: 1977 Pontiac Trans Am, "Smokey and the Bandit"
2006 rank: New for 2007
Drivetrain: 200-hp, 6.6-liter V-8 with three-speed automatic
Notable Features: T-top, CB radio, runaway bride in the passenger seat

The mission seemed simple enough: Get a truckload of bootleg beer from Texarkana, Texas, to Atlanta while Bo "Bandit" Darville runs interference in his Trans Am. The combination of comical car chases and Burt Reynolds' mustache sold more than a few black and gold versions of Bandit's car.

No. 1: 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, "Back to the Future"
2006 rank: 1

Drivetrain: 1.21-gigawatt nuclear/electric hybrid with five-speed manual transmission; rear-wheel drive

Notable Features: Gull-wing doors, 16-port twin exhaust boxes, flux capacitor

Doc Brown's DeLorean holds the first-place spot on this list for the second year in a row. The car achieves time travel at 88 mph thanks to a plutonium-powered nuclear reactor and onboard flux capacitor. By the end of the first movie, it runs solely on trash -- and it can fly. That's still futuristic two decades after the movie debuted.

Honorable Mentions
-- 1958 Plymouth Fury, "Christine"
-- 1973 Ford Falcon, "The Road Warrior"
-- 1975 Lotus Esprit, "The Spy Who Loved Me"

Off the List from 2006
-- 1973 Ford Falcon, "The Road Warrior"
-- 1958 Plymouth Fury, "Christine"
-- Batmobile Tumbler, "Batman Begins"

About Cars.com

Partnered with more than 200 leading metro newspapers, television stations and their websites, Cars.com (http://www.cars.com/) is the most comprehensive destination for those looking to buy or sell a new or used car. The site lists more than 2 million vehicles from 13,000 dealer customers, classified advertisers and private parties to offer consumers the best selection of new and used cars online, as well as the content, tools and advice to support their shopping experience. Recently selected by Forbes.com as a Best of the Web site for car shopping, Cars.com combines powerful inventory search tools and new-car configuration with pricing information, photo galleries, buying guides, side-by-side comparison tools, original editorial content and reviews to help millions of car shoppers connect with sellers each month.

Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, which is owned by leading media companies, including Belo (NYSE:BLC) , Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE:GCI) , The McClatchy Company (NYSE:MNI) , Tribune Company (NYSE:TRB) and The Washington Post Company (NYSE:WPO) .

Source: Cars.com

- Toyota Surpasses Honda for Top Spot
- Hybrid Makes Debut on Most-Researched New Car List

Kelley Blue Book, America's most trusted resource for new- and used-vehicle information, names the most-researched new cars during the first half of 2007. Information was collected among more than 70 million unique visitors to kbb.com, the most-visited automotive information Web site.

Kbb.com's Most-Researched New Vehicles During First Half of 2007

1. Toyota Camry
2. Honda Civic
3. Honda Accord
4. Honda CR-V
5. Nissan Altima
6. Toyota Corolla
7. Toyota RAV4
8. Toyota Highlander
9. Honda Pilot
10. Honda Odyssey
11. Toyota Prius
12. Toyota Sienna
13. Infiniti G35
14. Ford Mustang
15. MAZDA3
16. Ford Escape
17. Chevrolet Tahoe
18. Jeep Wrangler
19. Toyota Avalon
20. Acura TL

Toyota and Honda again continue to dominate Kelley Blue Book's most-researched new vehicles list, with 12 of the top 20 vehicles representing those makes (seven Toyotas and five Hondas). However, Toyota surpassed Honda for the first time taking the top spot with the newly redesigned Toyota Camry, pushing Honda's Civic and Honda Accord to numbers two and three, respectively.

A hybrid vehicle makes its debut on Kelley Blue Book's most-researched new vehicles list, with the Toyota Prius coming in at number 11. Popular new domestic models that continue to make the most-researched list include the Ford Mustang, Ford Escape and Chevrolet Tahoe.

Vehicle redesigns and updates prove to re-invigorate consumer interest in specific models, with Nissan's recently redesigned Altima being the only vehicle among the top 10 that is not a Toyota or Honda. The Jeep Wrangler places on the most-researched list for the first time this year, undoubtedly due to its recent redesign which now includes a more family-friendly four-door model. Honda's redesigned Honda CR-V moved to number four on this half-yearly list, up significantly from number 10 this time last year.

"The stranglehold Toyota and Honda have on the top 10 most-researched spots anticipated the sales results in June and demonstrates that those brands are on many consumers' must-shop list," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "Meanwhile, the list shows that prospects for the domestic manufacturers remain bleak, because they offer too few 'gotta-have-it' products."

Mazda's compact model, MAZDA3, moved up from number 20 last year to number 15 this year, demonstrating its increased popularity. The only luxury models included on the 2007 most-researched list are the Infiniti G35 at number 13, and the Acura TL at number 20.

- 2007 Negro League Weekend Celebration at Comerica Park Features Tribute Games, Former League Player Autographs, Fireworks Display
- Detroit Tigers And Kansas City Royals Wear Replica Uniforms of Detroit Stars and Kansas City Monarchs in Honor Of Negro League Heroes

The 5th Annual Negro Leagues Weekend Celebration Games July 20th and July 21st to benefit the Detroit Tigers Foundation has already hit a home run even before the cry of "play ball," with the sponsorship of Chrysler Jeep Superstores and Motorcity Dodge Dealers.

The Negro Leagues Weekend is a celebration of the history of baseball that honors heroes of the former Negro Leagues and their contributions to the game of baseball. The tribute swings into action Friday, July 20 at 5:30 p.m. at Comerica Park.

Former Negro Leaguers will sign autographs before the game on the concourse and participate in a pre-game, on-field ceremony recognizing their part in the history of baseball.

The Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals will wear replica uniforms of the Detroit Stars and the Kansas City Monarchs. The 13th annual Negro Leagues Tribute Game starts at 7:05 p.m. for both Friday July 20th, and Saturday July 21st, with a commemorative ceremony that will conclude with a colorful fireworks display.

Darryl Jackson, vice president, Great Lakes Business Center, Chrysler Group will throw the first pitch at the Friday, July 20th game.

A hot summer calls for hot wheels, the Chrysler Convertible Sebring LTD, four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Dodge Avenger RT, and the Dodge Nitro 4x4 will be on display Negro League weekend. The 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the first four-door and first five-passenger Wrangler in Jeep's 65-year history.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Detroit Tigers Foundations, a local non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through the game of baseball.

Game day tickets start at $10.00. Log on to www.ticketmaster for more information. Information on Negro Leagues Weekend Celebration is available from http://detroit.tigers.mlb.com/

The Chrysler Jeep Superstores Advertising Association is made up of the 39 independently owned Chrysler Jeep Superstores in Southeastern Michigan from Monroe to Fowlerville and from Clinton to Port Huron. Web site: www.chryslerjeepsuperstores.com

Source: Chrysler Jeep Superstores

Detroit Muscle, A CMI Schneible Group Company had a great time on June 29th and 30th, 2007 at the "Pinks-All Out" extravaganza, held at the Milan Dragway in Milan, MI. Upholding the Michigan tradition of automotive spirit -- the crowd of 40,000 plus was appreciative of the well-produced "Pinks" event.

Detroit Muscle was proudly represented with three Camaros and a 1967 Chevrolet Nova in a field of 400 cars, which raced until midnight on Saturday! In addition, Detroit Muscle unveiled the wild new paint scheme on our 1500 horsepower, street legal red 1967 Camaro and displayed Tony Valente's 1962 multicolor Chevy Bubbletop during the two days of non-stop action in Milan. The Detroit Muscle vending trailer drew enormous crowds, and our branded apparel was a huge success!

The "Run What You Brung" Racing Event brought out all makes and models including snowmobiles and motorcycles -- something for every motor sport enthusiast! The variety of vendors, interactive exhibits, carnival rides for the kids and rock and roll bands made the event complete.

Detroit Muscle congratulates "Pinks All Out" extravaganza for providing a well-run, affordable, family friendly event! And thanks to "Pinks," the Speed Channel and Milan Dragway for upholding Michigan's "Motor City" heritage of fast cars and fun! (Check your local listings for "Pinks-All-Out" event on the Speed channel in July.)

Look for Detroit Muscle as the presenting sponsor for both "Rock Stars, Cars and Guitars" at The Henry Ford from now until the end of September and the world famous Ferndale Woodward Dream Cruise and RetroFest, August 17-19, 2007.

For more information regarding Detroit Muscle events and its award winning performance vehicles or "100% Pure" Detroit Muscle products and apparel go to http://www.detroitmuscleusa.com/

Source: Detroit Muscle

Minivans Subsidized at Near Record LevelsSANTA MONICA, Calif. — July 3, 2007 — Edmunds.com, the premier online resource for automotive information, estimated today that the average automotive manufacturer incentive in the U.S. was $2,483 per vehicle sold in June 2007, up $92, or 3.85 percent, from May 2007, and down $132, or 5.05 percent, from June 2006.

Edmunds.com's monthly True Cost of IncentivesSM (TCISM) report takes into account all automakers' various U.S. incentives programs, including subvented interest rates and lease programs, as well as cash rebates to consumers and dealers. To ensure the greatest possible accuracy, Edmunds.com bases its calculations on sales volume, including the mix of vehicle makes and models for each month, as well as on the proportion of vehicles for which each type of incentive was used.

According to Edmunds.com, combined incentives spending for domestic manufacturers averaged $3,200 per vehicle sold in June 2007, up from $3,139 in May 2007. From May to June, European automakers decreased incentives spending by $230 to $3,108 per vehicle sold; Japanese automakers increased incentives spending by $163 to $1,484 per vehicle sold; and Korean automakers increased incentives spending by $39 to $1,554 per vehicle sold.

In June, the industry's aggregate incentive spending is estimated to have totaled approximately $3.8 billion, up from $3.7 billion in May. Chrysler, Ford and General Motors spent an aggregate of $2.6 billion, or 67.2 percent of the total; Japanese manufacturers spent $823 million, or 21.4 percent; European manufacturers spent $322 million, or 8.34 percent; and Korean manufacturers spent $119 million, or 3.1 percent.

"Of the 'Big Six' automakers, only Honda and Toyota have higher incentives than they did this time last year," stated Jesse Toprak, Executive Director of Industry Analysis for Edmunds.com. "The competitiveness of the marketplace seems to be catching up with the Japanese heavyweights."

Announcement by Zigzag Asia

Zigzag Asia today announced the launch of GT Channel Version 1.0, which concept is "car. video. network". GT Channel is an automotive social networking site focusing on online videos that targets the casual and avid automotive enthusiasts through its series of professionally produced video collections and user-generated content. Initially soft-launched as a beta site in fall of 2006, GT Channel version 1.0 went "live" at 12:01am last Friday.

As the definitive destination for automotive videos, GT Channel will continue to offer professionally produced video features on racing, new vehicles, and comparison tests as well exclusive segments from its large library of Best Motoring video content. GT Channel now features a more-robust user interface with a stronger social networking focus including user blogs, networking, forums, groups, galleries and other user-generated content platform to provide a one-stop location for both the hardcore and casual automotive enthusiast.

"Auto enthusiasts have a lot of resources on the Internet, but until today there wasn't a definitive site focusing on automotive video and social networking together. We already have a library of car videos and a fan base so GT Channel fills that void," said Taro Koki, president and CEO of Zigzag Asia. Masaharu Kuji, producer of Best Motoring commented, "We have some great plans with GT Channel, including original content and special video segments involving our advertisers."

Zigzag Asia is known for producing the US versions of the Best Motoring DVD series, originally from Japan. As part of an ongoing cross-promotional strategy, exclusive Best Motoring footage is available on GT Channel. Zigzag Asia continues to produce its critically-acclaimed DVDs while using that know how and adapting the same quality to develop segments and features for GT Channel.com.

About Zigzag Asia

Founded in 1999 and dually headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and Torrance, California, Zigzag Asia is a leading provider for automotive video content in North America mainly thru its DVD magazine titled Best Motoring http://www.bestmotoringvideo.com/ which has built a strong core following since its first release in 2001 in North America.

Zigzag Asia serves the evolving consumer market with traditional DVDs and digital distribution through its highly-trafficked network, GT Channel http://www.gtchannel.com/ , which concept is "car. video. network".

Source: Zigzag Asia

- Saturn Outlook is among the best models from General Motors in years
- New Saturn crossover challenges Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander in CR's ratings

2007 Saturn Outlook crossover

New Car Traffic at NADAguides.com Grows 112% Compared to 2006

NADAguides.com -- a leading vehicle pricing and information website -- today announced the total number of online visitors to the New Car section of its website grew 112% during the first six months of this year compared to the same time frame one year earlier. What's more, the company says the three most popular New Car categories at its website for that same time frame were Sedans, Pick-up Trucks and SUVs, dwarfing virtually every other New Car category.

Within these categories, the 2007 Toyota Camry, the 2007 Nissan Altima and the 2007 Toyota Prius were the most popularly researched New Sedans, while the 2007 Toyota Tacoma, the 2007 Ford F-150 and the 2007 Toyota Tundra were the most popularly researched New Trucks. And in the SUV category, car buyers researched pricing and specification information for the 2007 Honda CR-V, the 2007 Toyota RAV4 and the 2007 Saturn VUE more than any others.

"For 74 years, N.A.D.A. has been widely known for its Used Car pricing information," said Don Christy, Jr., president and CEO, NADAguides.com. "Our reports prove that car buyers embrace NADAguides.com as a New Car information source too. Not only is the New Car area of our website increasing in popularity, it has seen the largest percentage of growth during the first six months of this year."

In the New Car section of the company's website, the number of visitors using the NADAguides.com Side-by-Side New Car Comparison Tool grew 58% during the first six months of this year compared to that same time frame one year prior, making it the most popularly-used and the fastest growing of all the online New Car research tools the website offers. The tool allows car buyers to select a starting vehicle and then three additional vehicles to compare it to -- in real-time -- with detailed side-by-side charts that outline price, gas mileage, powertrain information, dimensions and chassis data.

Additionally, the overwhelming majority of the cars that consumers compared side-by-side were 2007 makes and models against other 2007 makes and models. NADAguides.com also revealed the three vehicles that were most commonly compared to the top vehicles in the Sedan, Pick-up Truck and SUV categories.

Most Commonly Compared Sedans

The 2007 Toyota Camry was most commonly compared to the:
-- 07 Nissan Altima
-- 07 Toyota Avalon
-- 07 Hyundai Sonata

The 2007 Nissan Altima was most commonly compared to the:
-- 07 Toyota Camry
-- 07 Honda Accord
-- 07 Honda Civic

The 2007 Toyota Prius was commonly compared to the:
-- 07 Honda Civic Hybrid
-- 07 Lexus ES350
-- 07 Toyota Camry Hybrid


Most Commonly Compared Pick-up Trucks

The 2007 Toyota Tacoma was most commonly compared to the:
-- 07 Honda Ridgeline
-- 07 Toyota Tacoma (different trim levels)
-- 07 Ford F-150

The 2007 Ford F-150 was most commonly compared to the:
-- 07 Toyota Tacoma
-- 07 Honda Ridgeline
-- 07 Chevy Silverado

The 2007 Toyota Tundra was most commonly compared to the:
-- 07 Ford F-150
-- 07 Nissan Titan
-- 07 Toyota Tundra


Most Commonly Compared SUVs

The 2007 Honda CR-V was most commonly compared to the:
-- 07 Toyota RAV4
-- 07 Honda CR-V (different trim levels)
-- 07 Lexus RX350

The 2007 Toyota RAV4 was most commonly compared to the:
-- 07 Honda CR-V
-- 07 Lexus RX350
-- Toyota RAV4 (different trim levels)

The 2007 Saturn VUE was most commonly compared to the:
-- 07 Honda Civic Hybrid
-- 07 Toyota Prius
-- 07 Toyota Camry



"Even though Used Car traffic to NADAguides.com was very strong from January to June of this year, the total number of Used Car visitors did not experience the same growth as New Car visitors," said Christy. "It's obvious car buyers are increasingly turning to NADAguides.com for New Car pricing and specification information."

About NADAguides.com

N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides (NADAguides.com) is the world's largest publisher of vehicle pricing and specification information for new and used cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs, as well as van conversions, limousines, classic and collectible cars, boats, RVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, personal watercraft and manufactured housing. The company's consumer website, NADAguides.com (http://www.nadaguides.com/), offers a variety of new and used vehicle services in addition to valuation information. Throughout its 74-year history, N.A.D.A. Appraisal Guides has earned the reputation as the recognized authority for vehicle valuations. Its website, NADAguides.com, is the most comprehensive vehicle information resource on the Internet today.

Source: NADAguides.com

ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine (RTM) announced today the chosen few for this year's highly-anticipated 11th Annual Sexy Car Buyer's Guide. The top 10 sexiest, hottest, wildest wheels to make the 2007 "most sexy" list follow in alphabetical order:

-- Chevrolet Corvette
-- Dodge Charger
-- Ford Mustang
-- Jaguar XK and XKR
-- Mazda MX-5 Miata
-- Mercedes-Benz SLK
-- Nissan 350Z
-- Porsche Cayman Coupe
-- Saturn Sky
-- VW Eos Hard-Top Roadster


Earlier this year, the 2007 Jaguar XK/XKR won the 2007 International Car of the Year Award in the sports car category "Most Sex Appeal."

Similarly, the 2007 Ford Mustang won Road & Travel Magazine's 3rd annual HEART STRING Award for most emotionally-compelling car commercial of the year.

Making first appearances in the Sexy Car Buyer's Guide is the all-new Saturn Sky roadster, Porsche Cayman Coupe and VW Eos hard-top roadster, proving that "sexy" can come in all shapes, sizes and prices.

RTM's 11th Annual Sexy Car Buyer's Guide is showcased in July's "Romance Issue", along with a full review on what makes each specific automobile sizzle and satisfy. Test driven by RTM editors, these revved-up roadsters are sure to leave drivers (and readers) reeling and writhing for more.

Eligibility and criteria for the Sexy Car Buyer's Guide is simple; pure sex appeal.

"Sports Cars are all about the emotions they inspire from the warm sensations of supple leather on our skin to the youthful, sexy spirit they invoke when driving with the top down and wind in our hair," says RTM's Editor-in-Chief Courtney Caldwell. "Sports cars are all about image; how they make us look, how they make us feel."

About ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine

ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine, established in 1989, is a comprehensive online, in-market lifestyle magazine specializing in a wide variety of automotive and travel topics. Primarily geared towards women, RTM was the first publication to specifically address women's automotive needs and concerns, providing a resource from which they could make informed decisions regarding purchases and personal safety. Travel was added in 2000. Currently a bi-weekly publication, RTM will relaunch in September 2007 with a new design and many new features that will provide a more interactive experience for our readers.

For more information please visit http://www.roadandtravel.com/

Source: ROAD & TRAVEL Magazine

- Nearly half of Americans (44 percent) are unwisely storing their vehicle title in the glove box
- Survey reinforces Dodge brand's move to revolutionize the glove box to meet the needs of modern drivers

While its name is universal and it's a standard feature in nearly all automobile makes and models, consumers today are modernizing one of the vehicle's tiniest compartments -- the glove box. According to a Dodge brand survey, 84 percent of Americans no longer use the glove box to store gloves, which is what the space was originally designed for when it was first introduced in the 1920s, and 72 percent of people do not know how the compartment originally got its name.

Dodge conducted a survey to uncover what drivers are storing in today's glove box. The results revealed that nearly half of Americans are storing something they shouldn't -- the vehicle title.

Forty-four percent of Americans are unintentionally sending an invitation to car thieves by storing their vehicle title in their glove box. If a vehicle title gets in the wrong hands, a thief would be able to change the name on the title, sell the vehicle or legally put the keys in his or her pocket.

"Vehicle titles should never be kept in the glove box but rather in a safe place at home or in the office," said Mike Accavitti, Director -- Dodge Brand and SRT Marketing and Communication. "Dodge wants to inform consumers on what should be stored in the glove box and how they can optimize utilization of the space to enhance their lifestyle."

The survey reinforced the Dodge brand's move to revolutionize, or modernize, uses of today's glove box by expanding the area to include the Chill Zone(TM) chilled beverage storage bin in the all-new 2008 Dodge Avenger. In fact, 88 percent of people surveyed said they would store chilled water or juice in their glove box if there was a compartment to keep beverages cooled; 43 percent would store pop or soda and 42 percent snack food.

Handy Glove Box Tips

While drivers need to be more mindful about storing their vehicle title in the glove box, they are on the right track when it comes to storing other essentials. The survey provided a sneak peek inside what people are storing in today's glove box:

-- Proof of insurance - 94 percent
-- Vehicle registration - 92 percent
-- Tissue and napkins - 71 percent
-- Maps - 63 percent
-- Flashlight - 53 percent
-- Sunglasses - 47 percent
-- First-aid kit - 38 percent


More than one in four drivers (26 percent) say the glove box is the least used compartment in the car. Dodge's Chill Zone(TM) beverage storage bin, which is standard on all 2008 Avengers and on most Dodge Caliber models, helps drivers take advantage of this underused space. The bin can hold and chill as many as four 12-oz. beverage cans

"We understand the mid-size car segment is competitive and therefore Dodge has gone the extra mile to incorporate unique features, such as the Chill Zone(TM) cold beverage storage, in its Avenger and Caliber vehicles," said Accavitti. "With drivers no longer using the glove box to store gloves, we've reengineered this compartment to allow drivers to keep their refreshments chilled during hot summer drives."

Dodge has provided the following handy tips to help consumers utilize the modern glove box:

-- Keep band-aids, Neosporin and baby wipes for unexpected minor cuts and scrapes
-- Utilize the Chill Zone(TM) to keep snacks at the ready during the morning or afternoon commute, after school or between sports practices
-- Stay alert and decrease road rage by staying hydrated and store cold refreshments in the vehicle to avoid dehydration which can lead to fatigue and irritability
-- Organize the glove box with pen and paper to always be prepared in case of a fender bender to jot down insurance and license information


For additional information about the Dodge Avenger please visit: www.dodge.com/avenger

About the 2008 Dodge Avenger

The new 2008 Dodge Avenger is an all-new mid-size sedan that combines bold, aggressive Dodge styling with innovative interior features, high-levels of safety and reliability, exhilarating performance and excellent fuel efficiency of 30 miles per gallon (mpg) (32 mpg based on 2007 EPA fuel economy standards).

Unique to Dodge Avenger in the mid-size segment is Chill Zone(TM), a chilled beverage storage bin that is standard on all Avenger models. Housed in the passenger side upper instrument panel, the bin can hold and chill as many as four 12-oz. beverage cans. The Avenger also is the Dodge brand's first mid- size car to offer all-wheel-drive capability combined with a sport-tuned suspension, performance steering and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Traction Control, all of which combine to give Avenger its on-road performance attitude.

About the Dodge Brand

Dodge sold more than 1.4 million vehicles worldwide in 2005. With a U.S. market share of 7 percent, Dodge is the fifth-largest nameplate in the United States and the eighth-largest nameplate in the automotive industry. The Dodge global portfolio includes a range of cars, trucks, minivans and sport-utility vehicles. Dodge Caliber spearheaded the Dodge brand's expansion into volume markets outside North America, followed by the Dodge Nitro, Dodge Avenger and the high-performance Dodge Caliber SRT4.

Source: Chrysler Group

Driving some of the world's most expensive and exotic cars has now become more affordable and accessible to enthusiasts around the country who long not only to drive one, but drive a collection of Bentleys, Lamborghinis, Ferraris or Rolls Royces, with the July 11 national launch of Curvy Road's fractional ownership program, PrivateAccess Plan.

The company, which pioneered the concept in 2000, is officially launching its PrivateAccess Plan nationally as well as opening a New York location to showcase and provide fractional owner access to some of the finest cars in the world. The company will open other locations in Los Angeles, Miami, and other major markets in August and September, said George Kiebala, founder and owner of Curvy Road, headquartered in Chicago.

"We fulfill the needs of those who yearn to drive sleek, fast, powerful, the more-expensive-the-better automobiles conveniently and at a reasonable cost; a great driving experience more affordable," said Kiebala.

Curvy Road is showcasing some of its exotic and high-end luxury cars and introducing its PrivateAccess Plan on July 11 at a special benefit for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) at the Broad Street Ballroom, 41 Broad Street, across from the New York Stock Exchange. The company is donating to JDRF all admittance fess ($35 at the door), plus $1,000 for every PrivateAccess Plan share purchased the night of the event.

The event takes place from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Interested parties can RSVP to Curvy Road by phone or by emailing info@CurvyRoad.com simply with their name and number of attendees.

Similar to the popular concept of owning a fraction of a private jet or yacht, Curvy Road PrivateAccess Plan shareholders for two years co-own driving rights with other shareholders in such world class automobiles as the Bentley Continental GTC, Lamborghini Gallardo, Rolls Royce Phantom, and Ferrari 360 Spider.

Curvy Road PrivateAccess Plan shareholders enjoy access to a cutting-edge super car for up to eight weeks of driving time per year depending on which of two plans they choose. They drive their car when they have the time to enjoy it.

At the end of their program of choice, fractional automobile PrivateAccess Plan shareholders can roll into the next new world class car. PrivateAccess Plan shareholders can also choose to drive multiple super cars throughout the year by trading weeks of their primary fractional automobile to other super cars in the Curvy Road Portfolio.

All PrivateAccess Plan shareholders enjoy the prestige and pure driving pleasure of cruising in a high-end luxury or sports car without the costs and hassles of full ownership. They own part of a cutting-edge super-car and don't have to worry about servicing, storing, maintaining, or insuring it.

Fractional ownership comes with full supplemental car insurance coverage, a generous mileage allowance, a full tank of fuel, one hour orientation to familiarize each driver with his or her chosen car, 24-hour toll-free roadside assistance number, and other perks.

The PrivateAccess Plan ranges from $15,000 for a one-tenth share of a Bentley Continental GT to $60,000 for a one-fifth share of a Lamborghini Murcielago, said Kiebala. The company can accommodate demand in most U.S. cities.

The New York area Curvy Road location, managed by Andrew Hadjiminas, New York Managing Director, is located minutes from Manhattan, just across the Brooklyn Bridge in downtown Brooklyn at the Sports & Classics of NYC location. Hadjiminas, for 20 years, has been involved in auto racing and in world class automotive businesses in the Tri-state area.

Curvy Road is a spin-off of its highly successful sister company, Exotic Car Share, whose membership of over 760 automobile enthusiasts enjoy weekend and full week usage of exotic cars like a Ferrari 355 Spider, Corvette Z-51 Convertible, and other modern exotic and classic vehicles.

Exotic Car Share, founded in August 2000, is the country's oldest, largest, and most established car share membership club.

Of Curvy Road, as well as of Exotic Car Share, Kiebala said: "It's the love for great driving automobiles fulfilled with a passion".

For more information contact Curvy Road visit http://www.curvyroad.com/.

Source: Curvy Road